Penny Dreadful –"No Beast So Fierce" Review. Formidable Match

Season 3, Episode 6

Air Date: Sunday, June 5, 2016, 10PM E/P on Showtime

Rating: ★★★★★

“If we are to continue, you must know how dangerous this is, how dangerous I am.” – Vanessa

With only two episodes remaining until the season three finale, the season is flying by too quickly for my liking. So much is embedded in each episode; it’s daunting as a fan to piece each of the story arcs together. Although more attention is paid to Vanessa (Eva Green) and Ethan (Josh Hartnett), there are some strange things lurking within the other plot points, particularly in Dorian (Reeve Carney) and Lily’s (Billie Piper) twisted tale. As “No Beast So Fierce” progresses, so do the various storylines. If you are at all squeamish, be warned, there is much bloodshed in “No Beast So Fierce.”

Jared demands Ethan “repent” but there will be none of that happening anytime soon.

As the episode opens, the story continues where “This World Is Our Hell” left off, with Jared Talbot (guest star Brian Cox) holding a gun to his son Ethan. The tension between father and son is palpable. The way Jared and Ethan stare each other down, it’s as if you can feel their hatred seep through the television screen. But before things can escalate, Jared’s men interrupt, announcing the arrival of some guests. I think you can guess who finally catches up to Ethan.

Inspector Rusk (Douglas Hodge) truly is a dogged man. He said he would catch up to Ethan and he most certainly does, even though his efforts are all in vain. With Hecate (Sarah Greene) by Ethan’s side, no one stands a chance. The conversation at the dinner table takes quite a turn when Jared insists on Ethan saying “grace” before dinner.

Dr. Henry Jekyll helps his friend Victor Frankenstein, but I think soon, the roles will be reversed.

In a darkened warehouse, Dracula (Christian Camargo) stands quite vexed after learning from his newest minion, Mr. Renfield (Samuel Barnett), that Vanessa knows he exists. This scene is disturbing on many levels, but mostly due to what hangs in the middle of the room and what surrounds it. The sound effects, alone, made my skin crawl. The distinct sucking and slurping noises nearly made me gag. But what intrigued me most is what Dracula says to Renfield. “You are my chosen one, Renfield…” How long will Renfield be useful now that he’s divulged so much information to his master? Perhaps there is still more to discover now that Vanessa has met a new acquaintance.

Justine pushes her luck with Dorian. He’s much more crafty than she can ever imagine.

Victor (Harry Treadaway) and Henry (Latif Shazid) continue to formulate their plan to essentially kidnap Lily in order to give her the behavioral serum they’ve been working to perfect. Victor’s naivety will be his downfall if he’s not careful. Lily explicated told him she only pretended to care for him when he resurrected her. She knew from the moment she was reborn into one of his undead creatures that she wasn’t entirely human anymore. Her disdain for most men fuels the angst ridden agenda she toils over with her new female companions.

I’m still unclear about Lily’s endgame or where writer Logan plans on taking this storyline. One thing is certain, though, Dorian needs to watch his back. Dorian is keenly aware that Lily’s pet Justine (Jessica Barden) doesn’t like taking orders from men, including him. Barden does an excellent job of pushing the boundaries during a scene with Carney when holding a knife to his neck. It’s almost as if Justine loathes Dorian in spite of everything he’s done for her.

Oh Ferdinand, how I will miss you.

If there is a season four, I have a feeling Henry’s story arc will be explored more fully. I have a feeling he will cater to his desire to test the serum on himself in order to subdue his rage, but it will have the opposite effect, thereby giving us the infamous Mr. Hyde.

One of the most endearing scenes in “No Beast So Fierce” involves Vanessa and Ferdinand Lyle (Simon Russell Beale). After learning Ferdinand will be leaving for an extended trip to Cairo, Egypt, Vanessa inquires whom she can confer with who will also have Ferdinand’s expertise. Enter Catriona Hartdegen (guest star Perdita Weeks). Ferdinand was quite right about Catriona being a “formidable match” for Vanessa. Let’s hope Catriona can help Vanessa with her Dracula problem.

Catriona and Vanessa have much in common…I’m eager to see this friendship blossom.

As an aside, if Beale is being written out of the story, I will sorely miss the glorious flamboyance of Ferdinand. He brings such a delightful lightness and subtle humor to every episode he’s in. I can only hope that this is just another part of the continuing story that may take us to Egypt if there is a fourth season.

Overall

The episode’s title, “No Beast So Fierce,” could mean many things. It could refer to Vanessa and her relentless pursuit of the evil that seeks her. It could also signify Ethan, who is quite fearsome throughout his scenes. It could also refer to Lily and her determination. I have a feeling it describes Dracula because now, as predicted, Vanessa has gone to him but doesn’t realize it yet. The consummation of Vanessa’s relationship with Dr. Sweet (Camargo) threw me for a loop. Why is Vanessa so trusting of Dr. Sweet? Can she not detect a hint of his deceit? Usually when touching someone, Vanessa gets a sense about them immediately. Is Dracula concealing his treachery under the guise of Dr. Sweet? Vanessa falls right into the arms of her stalker and I’m not sure she can be saved.

Vanessa thinks that she’s confiding in a friend, but she’s only growing closer to the one who seeks to destroy her.

Fortunately, despite things going seriously sideways in New Mexico with Ethan and his father, I believe Sir Malcolm (Timothy Dalton) will bring Ethan and Kateneay (Wes Studi) back to London. Let’s hope they’re not too late.

Let me know what you think of “No Beast So Fierce.” Do you think Sir Malcolm is right or wrong for what he did? Leave me a comment below or tweet me @judybopp. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Tune in to Penny Dreadful, Sundays at 10PM E/P, only on Showtime.

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Judy Manning

Dream chaser extraordinaire! Judy tends to be a tad sarcastic and kind of goofy! She is an avid admirer of all things supernatural, paranormal, celestial and mystical. She loves to read, write, and watches way too much TV. She enjoys many genres of film and music (and let's be honest, most music from the 80s). She also has a wicked sweet tooth. Cupcakes beware.